Inspiration: New York to Nashville: Tim Gunn and Bill Cunningham

I feel fortunate to have experienced two inspirational nights recently in Nashville.  The first, a speech by Tim Gunn at Vanderbilt University.  The second, a film at the Belcourt on Bill Cunningham.  

Influential in the New York scene and beyond, both contribute greatly in different ways to the fashion industry.  A consultant and creative officer, Tim (Parsons The New School For Design, Liz Claiborne, Project Runway) has a hand in the education and creation of fashion, while photographer and street style expert Bill (Women's Wear Daily, The New York Times) documents and archives the implementation of fashion in everyday life.  I could go on for days about both, but I would recommend hearing Tim in person and running (not walking) to catch the Bill Cunningham film. Then of course a coffee date with me to recap all our favorite moments!

One thing that resonated with me is how a strong sense of ethics is highly regarded by both. An editing eye, mixed with true belief in their vision and a sincere trust of instinct guide their focus on what's interesting and forward-thinking. Both also exude a sincere kindness that is very uplifting and endearing.

For more information, check out

Tim Gunn's Official Facebook and Bill Cunningham's New York

Inside Scoop: Events This Week For The Fashion Focused

I've got the inside scoop on a couple events this week I believe would interest the fashion focused follower of this blog.  One is a treat for your eyes, the other for your closet.  Both sure to be fun evenings with interesting crowds.  

Curiosities, a Compendium of Tales

Friday November 5 

Rocketown 601 4th Avenue South

6:00 - 9:00 pm

I am really looking forward to this whimsical event on Friday.  My friend and amazing photographer/graphic designer Brett Warren will showcase some new works from his Wooden Hearts collection.  Brett styles every detail of his shoots, from lighting to location to wardrobe.  He is the master of using vintage clothing and costumes to perfectly create and enhance the visualization of his concepts.  Always on the search for interesting pieces, his collection of fine vintage clothing is ever-expanding, perhaps because for fun he has been known to rent a suburban and venture across the country through the world's longest yard sale.  Brett, having recently moved back to Nashville after an internship in New York with Annie Leibovitz, has an amazing eye for capturing beauty and telling stories through the medium of photography.  Check out the event website here: www.curiousphotoshow.com and some of his previous inspired, dramatic work here: www.brettwarrenphotography.com. 

Mocha Club 

Gifts & Accessories Show

November 3 & 4

Two Moon Gallery. 2905 12th Avenue South

Many of my friends actively volunteer with Mocha Club, an organization I've learned a lot about through their experience and involvement.  The view of this organization is that with a very small sacrifice, people can make a huge difference in the lives of others, specifically in areas of Africa.  The money saved by giving up two mochas a month, when donated to Mocha Club, can contribute greatly to helping others with various needs: child mothers and women at risk, those who need clean water, education, healthcare or orphan care.  So where does fashion enter this scenario?  Well, your $5 (or more if you're so inclined) donation at the door benefits Mocha Club and grants you access to an evening of great previewing and shopping.  Check out the invite above for more detailed info.  Visit www.mochaclub.org to learn about other ways you can become involved. 

Inspiration to Reality: O'Keeffe

I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday in New York and saw this Georgia O'Keeffe painting. I loved the contrast of white and blue, also the curves and beautifully imperfect shapes. This color/shape combination followed me everywhere around the city, even in the sky on my flight home. I decided it would be fun to take inspiration from this and pull together a look. White dress by Cushnie et Ochs, heels by YSL, bag by Ted Baker. Obsessed.

Get this look at www.bergdorfgoodman.com

For The Guys: New York Fall 2010 Wish List

I'm headed to New York on Wednesday for a fun fall getaway. I am very excited because although I've been to the big apple many times, it's either been in the winter or summer months, never autumn. My favorite finds are always the unexpected ones, but I do have a few items I know of already that I will definitely be checking out in person. The first is this awesome black coat from Zara with a dramatic structured collar. The next is a pair of grey distressed Diesel jeans, which will go perfectly with the light brown and grey boots from All Saints. Thoughts?